At the end of July I was expecting my period as normal and was experiencing the normal signs, however the cramping felt a lot more extreme than usual.
It got to the point where I thought I was either going to be sick or faint and I wanted one of them to happen just so I could feel better.
After a few hours, the feelings subsided and I went on to have what I thought was a normal period. The following week I had lower abdominal pain in my right side and was more worried that I had appendicitis, as that was the only thing I could think it was. I spoke to 111 (NHS telephone number) and had a doctors appointment and they didn’t say anything about me possibly being pregnant, so I took prescribed codeine for the allotted time and felt better.
About two weeks later, the lower abdominal pain came back, but it was now in the centre as well as the right side. I went back to the doctors on the Wednesday to push for further checks and possibly an ultrasound as I knew something was wrong but couldn’t put my finger on it.
My doctor suggested that it was either a cyst on my ovary had burst or it could be an ectopic pregnancy and to take a test when I got home.
I was hoping that it was just a cyst that had burst because I didn’t even think I was pregnant after having my period recently. I waited for my husband to come home to take the test and within seconds the test was very obviously positive.
I was absolutely broken, crying “this should be a happy time” and “I’m so sorry even though I know it’s nobody’s fault”. I called 111 (NHS telephone number) to explain and they told me to make an emergency appointment the next day.
The following day, I made the appointment and the doctors were so quick to refer me to the EPAC (early pregnancy assessment clinic) department in the hospital for a blood test. I had the bloods done by midday to see what my levels were and how far along I was and by early afternoon, they called back to say I had to book in for an internal scan.
Friday 22nd August 2025, I went back to EPAC (early pregnancy assessment clinic) to get an internal scan where they could unfortunately see that there was nothing in the womb, but that they could see something on the outside of my right Fallopian tube, surrounded by what they thought could be a small amount of clotting.
They explained to me that they may have to take out my right Fallopian tube, as it may be too risky to fix it or leave it in. Not taking it out would put me at a higher risk for another ectopic pregnancy in the future, however, if they removed it, I would still have an 85% chance of naturally conceiving in the future.
More bloods were then taken to assess my hormone levels, blood type and other things that I completely zoned out of hearing. We then met with the doctors to talk about my options of our next steps; whether I would take medication or an injection to see if my levels naturally decreased or whether to have surgery which may also mean removing my right Fallopian tube.
After conversations with my husband, especially knowing how scared of surgery I was, we knew that it would be the best option, especially if something else was wrong. I had emergency keyhole surgery at 1pm and was back with my husband at 4pm. After having the best cup of tea and something to eat, I was told that my right Fallopian tube had to be removed and I was about two to three days away from it rupturing.
I’m not really spiritual, but I think that somebody was definitely looking out for me. I decided that I’d like the hospital to write to us explaining what they found after examining my Fallopian tube. I had a bladder scan and was able to walk around enough to be able to be discharged by 6:30pm that same day.
It has been such an emotional and physical rollercoaster of healing, but I’m looking forward to getting back to work and a “normal” routine after having three weeks of rest off from work. I still have the scars and have to dab them dry after my showers, but each day I’m celebrating the little wins, which include the first time I got out of the shower by myself and didn’t break down crying because the scars reminded me so much of what journey I had been/still am on. I’m listening to my body so much and taking things as slowly and as best I can.
When I feel 100% back to myself, I am going to start running, so I can take part in events whilst proudly wearing my purple EPT (ectopic pregnancy trust) top to raise awareness and to show people that they are not alone and you can come out fighting stronger than you ever thought you were.
If I could say one thing: As awful an experience this is, you are so much stronger in all aspects of the word than you would ever think and I share all my love and hope with you.
Thank you to our contributor for sharing their experience. If you would like to share your experience of ectopic pregnancy, please visit our guide for more information.
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